9-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cologne traveling north to Hanover, Hamburg, and Muenster

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Cologne. You’ll stay in Cologne for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, photo-friendly spots, and breathtaking views. Whether you decide to explore Cologne on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Lindt Chocolate Museum is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this photogenic museum before continuing your journey. Cologne Cathedral is your next stop. This spectacular church is one of the best-rated sights in Cologne.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Cologne Zoological Garden. This eye-catching zoo is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Rheinpark.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Germany is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Cologne. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Cologne by securing a table at Le Moissonnier Bistro. An esteemed 1-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional french and seafood menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Ox & Klee, famous for its scrumptious modern and creative dishes. This 2-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover La Cuisine Rademacher, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite modern french cuisine in Cologne. Located in the heart of the city, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for modern french cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Soul Bar Cologne, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Germany.

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Oberhausen and Gelsenkirchen. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Hanover, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Set out on a day brimming with family-friendly attractions, scenic views, and picturesque spots. Start at the popular Gasometer Oberhausen, a picture-perfect museum in Cologne. Next, go to Sea Life Oberhausen.

After visiting Gasometer Oberhausen and Sea Life Oberhausen, have a stroll along Cologne's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Nordstern Park. This symbolic park offers a unique experience.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Hanover. Hanover offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Hanover's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Meteora, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Bar Añejo? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Quarks Bar Hannover as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Hanover.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Bar Seña after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Sternwarte for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Dormero Hotel Hannover is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Head back to your accommodation in Hanover and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Germany!

Day 5 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Hamburg has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Hamburg by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Today’s agenda in Hamburg includes a church, a botanical garden, a zoo, a park and much more! St. Michael's Church is must-visit church and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Planten Un Blomen, a notable botanical garden, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Hagenbeck Zoo, a gorgeous zoo, also available for your discovery today.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Germany is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you explore more of Hamburg, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Dine in style at Restaurant Brodersen Hamburg, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Irish Pub in the Fleetenkieker boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out NOM vietnamese fusion food. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Hamburg.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Cafe Miller, known for its lively atmosphere. Copa Cabana Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Fontenay Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

Day 6 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Hamburg for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Get ready for a day filled with family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views in the charming city of Hamburg. Your adventure starts at St. Pauli Piers, a popular local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Elbe Tunnel. This interesting historical landmark is known for its enchanting appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Hamburg's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Hamburg Dungeon. This eye-catching haunted house offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Miniatur Wunderland is also worth visiting, along with St. Nikolai Memorial. These standout landmarks offer unique experiences that add to the day’s enjoyment.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Germany is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Hamburg's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Edelcurry, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Deichgraf Restaurant. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Hamburg.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Tower Bar, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Black Forest Bar - By Henn offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Ciu` Die Bar. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Germany!

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Hamburg and Hanstedt. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Muenster, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Discover a day packed with family-friendly attractions, photo-friendly spots, and breathtaking views in Hamburg. Begin your sightseeing with Chocoversum - Hamburgs Schokoladenmuseum. This well-known museum is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Hamburg Townhall, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Hamburg, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Elbe Philharmonic Hall. This extraordinary concert hall is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Lüneburg Heath Wildlife Park, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Muenster, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Muenster. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at BOK Restaurant Brust oder Keule, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible creative menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Coeur D'Artichaut is one of the best restaurants for modern french and creative cuisine in Muenster. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Spitzner. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for modern french cuisine in the city.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Cafe Extrablatt Münster Aegidiimarkt, known for its lively atmosphere. Atelier is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Spooky's offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Germany.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 8 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Essen and Duisburg. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Cologne. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Today’s agenda in Muenster includes a museum, a park, a marina, a zoo and much more! Unesco-welterbe Zollverein is must-visit museum and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord, a captivating park, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Duisburg Inner Harbour, a standout marina, also available for your discovery today.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Cologne. Cologne offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Cologne. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Limani, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, The hanging gardens of Ehrenfeld is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Cologne.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Suderman, a prime destination for a thrilling night out.

Say good night to Cologne and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Germany!